All rules herein are for BASC Closed League matches and supersede FIFA, USYS and OSA rules for recreational soccer. Items not specifically addressed herein shall conform first to OSA rules then USYS and then FIFA. For play outside of BASC Closed League OSA rules shall apply.

Law I - Field of Play

A. Field dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular. Its length being no more than thirty (35) yards or less than twenty (25) yards and its width not more than twenty (25) yards nor less than fifteen (15) yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width. BASC U8 fields are 30x20.

B. Field Markings 1. Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide. 2. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field. 3. A center circle with a three (3) yard radius. 4. Four corner arcs with a radius of one (1) yard. 5. Goal area: Three (3) yards from each goal post and three (3) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. 6. Penalty area: none

C. Goals: The size of hockey goals or approximately 4’x 6’.

Law II – Ball Size three (3)

Law III – Number of Players

A. Maximum number of players on the field per team at any one time is four (4). There are no goalkeepers. The minimum number of players to start the match is three (3).

B. Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed eight (8).

C. Substitutions: Substitutions shall be unlimited and at the referee’s discretion will be permitted at any stoppage of play. Playing time: Each Player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

D. Teams and games may be coed.

Law IV – Player’s Equipment

A. Footwear: Soft-cleated soccer shoes. No toe cleats.

B. Shin guards: MANDATORY

Law V – Referees

A. Recreational Referee or higher (Registered 09 recommended)

B. All law infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending players. Law VI – Assistant Referees Not required

Law VII – Duration of Game

A. The game shall be divided into four (4) periods of ten (10) minutes each with a five (5) minute break between each period.

B. Clock runs during the game, stopping only for the end of each 10 minute period.

Law VIII – Start of Play

Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game, with the following exceptions:

A. Opponents must be three (3) yards from the center mark while kick-offs are in progress (outside the center circle).

B. A goal may not be scored directly from the kick-off.

Law IX –Ball In and Out of Play

Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game

Law X – Method of Scoring Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game

Law XI - Offside There shall be no offside.

Law XII – Fouls and Misconduct Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

A. All fouls and misconduct will result in an indirect kick with the opponent five (5) yards away.

B. All infractions must be explained to the offending player.

Law XIII – Free Kicks Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

A. All free kicks shall be indirect.

B. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.

C. No kicks are to be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal area.

D. Opponents must be five (5) yards away before kick is allowed.

Law XIV – Penalty Kicks No penalty kicks shall be taken during these games.

Law XV – Throw In

A. The player selected to throw must keep both feet on the ground while the ball is being thrown. Further, a portion of both feet must be on or behind the line as the ball is being thrown. If there is a foul throw-in, the referee must explain the proper method to the player and all a re-throw. If the second attempt also results in an infraction, the opposing team shall be awarded the throw-in at the same spot on the field.

Law XVI – Goal Kick Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

A. Goal kick is taken anywhere within the goal area.

B. Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

C. A goal may not be scored directly from a goal kick.

Law XVII – Corner Kick Conforms to FIFA Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

Additional BASC U7/8 Rules

Roster Size: Teams are to be formed with a maximum of 8 players; the recommended roster size is 6 players.

Uniforms: Team uniforms shall consist of like colored jerseys, shorts and socks. Each player shall have a number on the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey and shall be clearly visible. Each player on a team must wear a number different from the number of every other player on their team.

The official team roster shall include the number of each player’s jersey. No player names on jerseys.

The home team will wear lightest colored jersey. The away team will wear the dark jersey. Unless agreed upon by both coaches, the team not wearing the correct uniform will be required to change.

Pennies or targets may be worn over jerseys in the event of a color conflict; subject to the approval of the Referee.

Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Undershirts exposed from beneath jerseys should be the same or similar color of the jersey.

Any sponsor’s names, logos or other wording/graphics must be approved in advance by the BASC Board.

Socks must cover shin guards and color must be consistent for the team. Any tape applied must be consistent with the sock color.

Practices: Three team activities per week including games, practices, scrimmages, classroom training, etc. No single activity shall exceed 90 minutes in duration with the exception for a fifteen (15) minute allowance for warm up prior to the start of physical activity. Weeks are considered Saturday through the following Friday. Non-soccer related activities such as team parties, team fundraisers, volunteering, etc. are not considered team activities/practices in respect to this rule.

Team/Spectator Seating: The Home team (as listed on the schedule) and their spectators shall be seated on the East or North side of the field. The Away team (as listed on the schedule) and their spectators shall be seated on the West or South side of the field. Each team and their respective spectators shall remain on their designated side of the field throughout the match.

There shall be no climbing of trees, fences, goals, nets or other structures not specifically designed for such by any person. There shall be no coaches or spectators behind the goal lines.

Sideline Behavior: Coaches and spectators should keep all comments positive and supportive of the players. Spectators should refrain from providing playing instructions to the players which should only be done by the coaching staff. No referee abuse will be tolerated. Coaches may be cautioned or sent off by the referee for behavior in violation of the BASC Code of Conduct by the team’s staff, players or their respective spectator sidelines.

Grounds Clean-Up: Each team shall clean up their respective areas before leaving.

Match Officials: All matches are to be officiated by a center referee.

Coaching: All persons coaching BASC players must be registered with the club and have an approved background check. Only registered/approved coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and managers may coach games or participate with players during team activities practice. Coaches are only permitted on the field with the referee’s permission at a stoppage of play.

Medical Devices: All medical devices (casts, supports, braces, etc) are subject to the approval of the referee with respect to player safety. Players with medical devices should have them padded in advance of the game and check in with the referee or at the HQ building prior to the match for approval.

No Sweeper-Keepers: Coaches are strongly encouraged to have defensive players remain in the same 2/3 of the field as the ball. All players need to be encouraged to be involved in active play and not simply positioned in front of the goal to prevent scoring. Referees may remind coaches of this policy but no penalty or sanction shall be enforced by the referee. Coaches who willfully do not follow the policy will be subject to disciplinary review.

Slide Tackles: Slide tackles shall not be permitted. Any player engaging in slide tackles should be counseled to not repeat. Repeated infractions may result in the player be cautioned and/or red carded.

Mercy Rule: There will be a 10 goal mercy rule if the losing coach requests it. The Mercy Rule cannot be applied until the first half has ended. The losing coach must notify the referee at half time if invoking mercy rule.

Post-Game Sportsmanship: All players and coaches should congratulate each other for a game well played with handshakes/high fives along the halfway line. Parents are encouraged to form tunnels and cheer for players as they return to the side lines.

Scores/Standings: All scores are to be recorded on the game form by the referee and verified by each coach at the conclusion of the match (if a result or score is to be protested the coach should note such on the game forms and must file a protest in writing to BASC within 72 hours). The referee will give the completed forms to the winning team or home team, in case of a tie, at the conclusion of the match. After each game, the coach in possession of the Game Forms is to phone in the score to Gotsoccer using the phone #, Event ID and Pin # at the top of the game form. Coaches must maintain the game forms, in their possession, until 30 days after the season is over. Coaches must provide, to BASC, any game form requested. Scores/standings are not published but are used to assist in seeding teams for the following season.

Playing Time/Substitutions/Rotations: All recreational players are required to play at least 50% of each game for which they are present and physically able to play. Games/coaches will be periodically reviewed for compliance by the club. Coaches found to not be in compliance with this rule are subject to disciplinary review. Organized rotations are very important and coaches should maintain documentation of rotations for each game. Below are recommended rotations for various roster sizes.